The photos from your wedding day are not just about capturing pretty images. They are meant to preserve each precious moment and help you relive the emotions shared with your partner for years to come. They freeze fleeting moments in time, preserving each smile and tear shared with loved ones. Whether you plan to share the images on social media or display them in your home, the photographs from your wedding serve as a timeless reminder of your love and commitment to one another.
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of events, and you don’t want to get to the end and realize you didn’t capture all the photos you wanted with your favorite people. Prior to your big day, sit down with your photographer and make sure you are on the same page with expectations and a plan. One thing that can be helpful is creating a wedding day photo checklist, that way no matter how hectic the day gets, you can be sure those special moments aren’t missed.
Getting Ready
From photographs of you and your closest friends getting all dolled up for the big day to detailed photos of your dress and accessories, these behind-the-scenes moments are photo opportunities you don’t want to miss. A few ideas for what photos to capture during this time could be you putting your jewelry or lipstick on, candid shots of you and your bridesmaids having fun getting ready together, or the mother of the bride buttoning up the bride’s dress!
While the camera tends to be focused on the bride during this portion of the day, you don’t want to leave the groom out of the photo fun! Have your photographer snap a few pics of him adjusting his sleeves and tie, putting on his shoes and hanging out with his groomsmen.
When it comes to the detail shots, it helps to have all the items set aside in a box so you aren’t hunting down your lipstick or a copy of your invitations for your photographer while you are trying to get ready. Details shots can include photos of your dress, accessories and much more! Not sure what to include in your detail shots? Check out our Must-Have Wedding Detail Shot Checklist here.
Photo by Pink Fox Photography
The Bride
First looks are a must for your wedding day photo checklist, even if you opt not have one with your soon-to-be husband. Whether you do a first look with your bridesmaids, parents or other cherished family members and friends, capturing the emotions of your loved ones seeing your complete look as a bride is not something you want to miss. You will also want a few photos of yourself as well as photos with family members and group photos with your side of the bridal party.
The Groom
While it may take a little convincing to get your groom to pose for photos, you will want to be sure to capture photos of him with his parents, grandparents and siblings, along with a group shot of him with his groomsmen. If he isn’t the camera-shy type, you might be able to get him to pose for a few solo shots too!
Photo by Pink Fox Photography
Together
Back to the topic of first looks! Whether you choose to wait to see each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle or decide to do a private first look before your ceremony, photos of you and your forever love seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day will be some of your favorite shots. If you are opting for the first-look route, you can have your portraits taken before the ceremony even starts, leaving more time to mingle with your guests. If you are waiting to see each other until the moment you walk down the aisle, you can slip away during your cocktail hour for a private moment alone and take your first photos as husband and wife!
The Ceremony
During your ceremony, there are several key moments to focus the camera lens on. From the heartfelt expressions of the guests as you exchange vows to the first kiss shared as husband and wife, these images will capture all the emotions shared on your big day! Other photos to include on your checklist could be the ring exchange, the newlyweds leaving the altar together and photos of each bridal party member walking down the aisle.
Photo by Pink Fox Photography
Photo by Black Prong
The Reception
So much time and hard work goes into planning out every detail of your wedding day, including the decorations. From the delicate floral arrangements and centerpieces to signage and personal touches, you don’t want to forget to capture a few images of the final decorated look before your guests enter the space. Other photo opportunities to remember are the bridal party entrance, toasts, reception exit, cake cutting and of course – the dancing!
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